1.4 million ft² logistics park proposed for Wigan

Warehouse developer db symmetry has announced plans for a 1.4 million ft² logistics park at Winstanley near Wigan.

It is proposing a mix of logistics buildings alongside open space and recreational routes for local residents, with a green buffer between the development and the nearest housing.

The park would be known as symmetry park Wigan and be located on the site of a former colliery between Junction 25 of the M6 and the A49 Warrington Road.

Andrew Dickman, a director of db symmetry, said: “We have chosen this site due to its direct access to the M6, meaning logistics vehicles do not need to pass through residential areas. It could provide high-quality jobs and apprenticeships for people across Wigan which will create lasting benefits for the local economy.”

The site is currently used as agricultural land after open cast mining ended in the 1980s. It is within the Green Belt but has been allocated as an employment site under the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework – a joint document produced by 10 councils in the North West which identifies land for jobs and homes until 2035.

db symmetry said the scheme, involving a £73m investment in construction, could create up to 1,650 jobs. The company estimated that £3m a year in business rates would be generated for Wigan Council.

A consultation process is being undertaken before a planning application is submitted, which is expected to happen during the summer. A decision by Wigan Council is likely before the end of the year.

The announcement of the Wigan development comes shortly after db symmetry was granted planning consent for a 1 million ft² scheme in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. It will develop five warehouses there, ranging from 72,000 ft² to 515,000 ft² in size.